Villa’s opponents on Saturday, Norwich, spent £24million last month while Garde’s squad is so threadbare that Gabriel Agbonlahor – who was available for transfer - will now be asked to lead the line.

Garde’s short-term focus is on securing the most unlikely escape from relegation but admits there will be talks at the end of the season.

Remi Garde looks onCredit:
Getty

“I came here for something that is still going on and I am not going to change my mind now. Then after that we will start another project and another season and then every manager has to look at does he fit to the project that is going on in front of him. Nobody can say what the project is for next season,” he said.

“I ask my players only to be focused on what we can do [this season] and for me it is the same.

“There will be the time for everybody to see how it’s going over the summer. It is too far away for me to think about that, it is not the time.”

Villa remain rooted to the bottom after only two wins in the league, with Norwich ten points above them in 17th.

But Garde is refusing to accept relegation to the Championship, insisting a win over Norwich could breathe new life into their season.

Garde is refusing to plan for the CHampionship just yetCredit:
Getty

“Of course we have to win but I’m still positive and optimistic enough to say we have the ability to go above them. They have tough fixtures until the end of the season and you never know what’s going to happen,” he said.

“While mathematically we still have a chance, in our position we have to believe. The way we play and the way I see the team at the moment, the team is still committed and believing everything is possible.”